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Book reviews for "O'Donnell,_John_A." sorted by average review score:

Everything to Live for
Published in Hardcover by Simon & Schuster (1985)
Authors: Susan White-Bowden and Bowden Susan White
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a must read for all mothers
i came across this book some years ago and i have to say it has touched me in a way no other book has. this poor women must frist live threw the pain and guilt of her ex husband shooting himself to death in her own home. then has to go threw the living hell of her only son doing the same a few years later. she goes in to great detail about the guilt she lives with and all of the what ifs. she tells of how she feels her job and boyfriend maybe took up to much of her time. this is a book that all mothers should read ..i still dont know how susan white lived threw this and went on to write other wonderful books god. bless her and her family. this book is so well written i read it in one seating and twice more over the years she tells you all aboyt her sons short life how he would bring her wild flowers his bike raceing the gris he dated and the one who broke his heart. if only someone had come forard and told her of his threats of killing himelf but i myself who as a young gril also tried to kill myself but by the grace of god a stomick pumping and a stay at a wonderful mential hosptail over came and recovered completly .and have become a mother myself of the most wonderful little boy.who i hope has the toos to deal with lifes pain unlike susan son and myself.

Should be required reading for every high school student
When I first read Susan's book ,many years ago, I wondered how she managed to write a book exposing every raw nerve in her body. But I know why...she saw a chance to shine light on the very complex problem of teen suicide and to help people prevent and understand this tragedy. As far as I am concerned every young person and parent should read this book...it is well written and deals with this problem in a very human and honest way. The lady shows great courage in letting the world see her pain so maybe insight can be gained.

Sensitive and personal: a must read!
Susan's book about her son's suicide is a must read for all parents. It is heart breaking, but in her intensely personal story, she reaches out to help others understand what so many of us do not know. What you find out reading this book could save your child from possible self destruction. As a mother of three sons, I have read this book several times, and learn something about this courageous woman and her family each time. The untimely death of her son touched me deeply, and I feel some of her pain. As I said, it is a must read for parents, and I am pleased to see it available again.


Special Edition Using Intranet Html (Special Edition Using Series)
Published in Paperback by Que (01 November, 1996)
Authors: Mark Surfas, Dana Blankenhorn, Mark Brown, Jane Calabria, Luke Cassady-Dorion, Rich Casselberry, Gerry High, Dennis Jones, John Jung, and Rob Kirkland
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Unbelievably thorough
This book is THE complete guide to building an intranet. Killer examples and techniques.

Killer compilation of Intranet Techniques
Very impressive compendium of Intranet information and the latest HTML techniques


Johnny, We Hardly Knew Ye: Memories of John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Published in Paperback by Little Brown & Co (Pap) (1983)
Authors: Kenneth P. O'Donnell, David F. Powers, and Joseph McCarthy
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Johnny, I Wish I Knew Ye
The book "Johnny, We Hardly Knew Ye" by Kenneth O'Donnell and David Powers offers a wide variety of information about the life of John F. Kennedy. Focusing on his political life, with which they were deeply involved, the authors give a perspective on the life of President Kennedy that can't be matched by many others, for not many others knew him as well as they did. Unlike a normal, relatively boring biography, this collection of memories about their friend and president contains stories, personality, and detailed information as seen through the eyes of white house aides and friends. I highly recommend this book to learn more about Kennedy and to have a great time in the process.

I am fifteen years old. The reason that I read this book is because I hope one day to be involved in public life. I began this book knowing relatively nothing about Kennedy, except his assination and his line, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." This book gives me information to quench my thirst for knowledge as well as inspire and provide me with information that I will be able to use in the future, which I am only aboe to dream of now.

I love this book and feel that it is a shame that this is out of print. I feel that it is atrocious to think of a person not even attempting to find a copy of this book or not reading it if they have it. To conclude, I feel that this book is well worth the read, and so much more.


The Love That Never Ends: A Key to the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Published in Hardcover by Our Sunday Visitor (1996)
Authors: J. Augustine Dinoia, Gabriel O'Donnell, Romanus Cessario, and Peter John Cameron
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God's love for us: the surprising focus of the Catechism
"I am the way, the truth and the life," Jesus says in John 14:6. That is what I expect to find in any Catholic catechism: the way - the how of being Catholic, the truth - the set of beliefs that the catechumen or candidate will ascribe to, the life - the promises that will belong to the baptized person as a result of belief and practice. And I am not disappointed in finding it in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. What the surprise is in the Catechism is that Jesus shows us the love of God. How reassuring to read the focus of the Catechism as "love that never ends."

However, though the Catechism begins with that statement in #25, it is easy to overlook it in the press of understanding the doctrines and the rules and the rituals. An interested non-Christian, concerned with the infrastructure of the church where he or she is considering membership, might easily miss the centrality to everything Catholic of the love that God has for His creatures. Most non-Christian religions do not have this emphasis or focus of love. Even the table of contents and titles of the sections of the Catechism itself move quickly to the creed, cult, and codes of Catholicism.

A catechist, instructing other Christians in the differences and similarities between Catholicism and various Protestant creeds and practices, might easily state this fundamental truth of God's love and then move quickly into the teaching of the faith, the handing down of specifically Catholic theology, practice, information, etc. A focus or emphasis on the personal love that God has for each of us is important and needs to be maintained in the presentation of all doctrine, all aspects of the Catholic practice. And that is what this little book reminds its reader.

It is pleasant, reassuring and uplifting to read on the dust cover of this book "The key to the Catechism is the mystery of the triune God - 'the love that never ends.'" As a focused and well-prepared instructor, even as a prayer warrior concerned about my students, interested in providing the right environment and content for conversion, I find it tempting to divert from catechesis on God's love in each of the pillars of the Catechism. Will the baptism or profession of faith of the new Catholic-to-be be properly supported by understanding of doctrine and rituals; will there be enough practice in prayer, sufficient support by intercessor and sponsor and godparent? However, it is not this re-presentation of the catechetical truths and codes that will save, nor even the support the faith of, the potential Catholic.

This book reminded me of the great need to echo the voice of Christ as He has spoken to His Church. The inner comparison, taking place within the inquirer, between Christ's voice and grace within himself or herself and the catechesis of Christ's voice within the setting of the Church, is the process of conversion. Recognizing the Shepherd's voice as the voice of love as well as way-truth-life will empower the inquirer toward conversion and prepare the soul for the joy of communion.

What indeed can a catechism offer for Catholics if not the universality of love of God? Surely, other creeds are easier to live, there are less codes to follow, less difficulties in being what that church might call "holy." The very love of God in calling us to live His very life is distinct and different from every other faith. It is, after all, union with Christ in His Church, in a common union with all the holy human saints of history, that is being offered in a Catholic conversion. Not a lifestyle, not a set of beliefs, not a set of practices. Nothing less than union in love with Love itself. That changes the focus of presenting Catholicism to an inquirer to "courting the catechumen" - we are proposing a marriage to the inquirer, through the truth, the way and the life outlined in the Catechism. That reminder throughout the book is what moved me as I read it.


None Came Home: The War Dogs of Vietnam
Published in Paperback by 1stBooks Library (2001)
Author: John E. O'Donnell
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On Working Through Trauma: A Vietnam Combat Handler's Vision
Mr. O'Donnell is a verified USAF Vietnam Combat Veteran/K-9 Sentry Dog Handler who served in U-Tapao, Thailand during his active duty service. SGT O'Donnell's novel represents a dream of what could have been done to restore order from the powerless trauma of what had to be done regarding the U.S. Government's requirement to abandon K-9s at the end of the Vietnam War. It is a poignant piece criss-crossed with hope and hopelessness and potentially represents the way many US K-9 and MWD Teams felt at that time in history. The perceived anguish, search for understanding as well as a means to salute those K-9 counterparts is an excellent read and worth consideration by all individuals familiar with those events in our Nation's history or who experienced similar feelings first-hand of the loss of the K-9s who were and continue to be among our most outstanding yet most unsung heroes throughout all branches of the Armed Forces in all aspects and in all countries involved within the Vietnam War Combat Zone.


The Day John Met Paul: An hour-by-hour account of how The Beatles began
Published in Audio Cassette by Hall of Fame Books (1996)
Author: Jim O'Donnell
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A remarkable and unique book transcending music biography
How did such a normal day lead to such a phenomenen? Was it destiny? Did John Lennon and Paul McCartney have any idea as teenagers as to what lay ahead of them? These are questions that can never be answered, but eight years of painstaking research and a little artistic license has produced a book which plants many a romantic thought in the mind about how the Beatles started. "The Day John Met Paul" is a book about the 6th of July 1957, focusing primarily on events in Woolton, a leafy suburb of Liverpool, where a local village fete leads to the first meeting of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, later to become the driving forces behind the band that became the Beatles. Author JimO'Donnell describes these events as a present-tense review of the day, and it is this approach as well as the remarkable factual detail which makes his book unique and compelling. His introduction to the book is mesmerising in itself, as he explains how his research sought to capture the atmosphere of that place at that time. He also describes world events which were happening simultaneously, taking into account time differences, meaning that these events were literally happening at the precise moments. This gives emphasis on the physical normality of what happened that day but as it is written now, it is an experience to read the book while obviously knowing what happened subsequently. This is where O'Donnell engrosses the reader, forcing us to imagine the scenes taking place, and the book, although really an acquired taste, actually works on a historical level as well. For those who never saw 1957, images are conjured of life at that time on a Saturday in the middle of summer. What O'Donnell also acheives is as mentioned the romanticism of the Beatles story and myth and the idea that the real reason for their success and incredible longevity as a part of people's lives was the personal relationships between them and the higher spiritual plane that they seemed to stumble on together. As Paul watches John play at the fete, and later vice versa, there is a "meeting of minds" and a sharp vision. Whether the true story was anything like this is always open to speculation, but the telling phrases used by O'Donnell in his book lead us to believe that was a union so important that it must have been written in the stars. O'Donnell starts off from the early hours of the morning as the teenagers and most of Liverpool sleeps, and he describes the surrounding scene before the main protagonists have had a chance to contribute to events of the day. We see the build-up to the event which, while not big in itself, began something special, and as the event unfolds, his vivid imagination is given full rein as he describes what might have been going through their minds, and how they were spurred on not just by the sound of the music but what it really meant to them on a personal level, creating the collective vision that would eventually be shared with the world. This is of course primarily a book for Beatlemaniacs and positively demands multiple readings and musings.

A wonderful gem
I couldn't stop reading once I started this gem, and of the many Beatles books, I'd rate this as one of the best. For pure literary artistry, it ranks high: the descriptions are vivid and bring you completely into that fateful day (one moment stands out in which the Quarrymen go on their second, evening, show and a minute into the set, a rare Liverpool lightning storm sweeps through the town, knocking out the power, leaving John and his bandmates in darkness for a moment...
the proverbial, but in this instance real, "lightning flash" of greater things to come?!)
Definitely recommended to any Beatles fan.

This book is definitely in the top 10 of Beatle-related work
Jim O'Donnell is a very gifted writer. His descriptions of the past are like painted murals in our imagination. The images he creates with his words take us back in time when John Lennon and Paul McCartney were teenagers, in Liverpool, England, and the world was just learning how to rock around the clock. I couldn't put this book down. Besides his great writing ability, it is very obvious that Mr. O'Donnell has done his research well. This book will NOT insult the intelligence of any Beatles' fan. It will make the reader understand a little more of the genius behind the remarkable songwriting team of Lennon and McCartney. Their strong differences of personalities brought John and Paul together... and yet, drew them closer. The author, I feel, has done the job well.


Prelude to Tragedy: Vietnam, 1960-1965
Published in Hardcover by United States Naval Inst. (2000)
Authors: Harvey C. Neese, John O'Donnell, and Richard Holbrooke
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Interesting.
These are the views of seven people, Americans and Vietnamese, who in the early sixties contended that the US should pursue a counterinsurgency approach instead of a full conventional war against the Viet Cong, only to be brushed aside by the Johnson/McNamara group. They suggested that once the "war for the hearts and minds of the Vietnamese people" was won, the communist threat should disappear.

Although I do not believe counterinsurgency war alone is the only valid approach because of 1) the presence of 200,000 Viet Cong left behind in South Vietnam by Hanoi in 1954, 2) the determination of Hanoi to conquer Saigon, 3) the opening of the Ho Chi Minh trail , this unconvential approach should have been tried first. Had it been combined with a complete interdiction of the trail, victory would have been more likely with less deployment of US troops.

What we have to remember is that the unique, and only goal of Hanoi was to conquer Saigon, no matter the cost in human lives and the time needed to achieve this goal.

The Unknow War to Save South Vietnam
To most Americans, the war in Vietnam began in March 1965 with the arrival of the U.S. Marines across the beach at Danang...But a handful of young American civilians had entered the war five years' earlier...Thousands more followed as the entire American Governent was mobilized to "win in Vietnam"..until it became obvious only the South Vietnamese themselves could obtain a victory.. This book offers an insight into the efforts, the successes and the failures of these first Americans; and how we often were our own worst enemy...I had the privilege of serving as one of these men. PRELUDE TO TRAGEDY provides a unique insider look at how dedicated --and desperate--young Americans tried to head off the final outcome...Not a book for casual readers looking for combat stories, but a "must read" for any serious student of the Vietnam conflict.

The Greater Tragedy
'Prelude to Tragedy: Vietnam' looks beyond the curtain of lies concocted by Johnson & McNamara in 1964. A simple truth remains too devastating for mainstream publication. Johnson pulled the trigger on the American War in Vietnam by ordering retaliatory strikes three months prior to the election of 1964. No mere coincidence. Johnson did so to win the election. No other factor accounts for Johnson's arrogant insistance on immediate retaliation to an event which never occurred. A 24 hour delay would have revealed there was no Tonkin Gulf attack as claimed. Johnson adamantly demanded an immediate attack for he feared any delay would deny him the use of his trump card as CinC. Air strikes were used to defeat Goldwater. Johnson won the election then defeated himself by his arrogant miss use of military power. Johnson's effort to intimidate Ho Chi Minh failed miserably. Ho recognized retaliatory strikes as the superficial show of force it was. Without a commitment to win Johnson's efforts were doomed to failure from the start. Certain defeat was recognized, long before Johnson stepped aside in '68. 'Prelude' provides evidence of the impending tragedy as it unfolded. However the most damming evidence was left out. The purpose of the air strike was to win the election. Johnson's fear, greed & grasp for power must be recognized if we are to avoid future acts of arrogance leading to war by a renegade president. Our constitution did not grant dictatorial power to a ruthless tyrant. How then, did Johnson acquire sufficient power to over ride congressional restraint & military dissent? He did so by lies, deceit & intimidation for all who stood in his way including his Vice President. Humphrey was denied access to LBJ's inner circle of advisors on Vietnam. JCS members were blocked from attending crucial strategy sessions. Johnson reduced JCS members to pawns, merely carrying out miss guided 'strategies' concocted by McNamara & his 'War Room' of civilian 'experts'. Military officers were intimidated, insulted, humiliated & ignored by Johnson. Military strategies were dictated by Johnson's political agenda. Without a compelling national security threat, military logic or justification for acts of war in Vietnam, Johnson created the ruse of a Tonkin Gulf attack to over ride congressional & military reluctance to war. He then launched unprovoked acts of war to enhance his political image. Johnson's arrogance in resorting to war to win the '64 election is supported by evidence presented in 'Prelude to Tragedy'. The authors failure to state this self evident fact is understandable. Doing so would have invited disbelief, criticism and ostracism. Lies perpetrated by Johnson & McNamara have been assimilated into the very fiber of American perceptions of defeat in Vietnam. The dregs remain today. American foreign policy remains a threat to many, including our allies. Claims of justification for American efforts in Vietnam no longer hold water. 'Prelude to Tragedy' puts an end to McNamara's claim of a well intentioned humanitarian effort. It reveals false claims & deceit by LBJ then and McNamara now in their efforts to distort the reality & rewrite history. American aggression in Vietnam must be revealed & recognized if we are to restore a balance of power. Existing presidential powers enable incumbents to initiate acts of war without the advice or consent of congress. The War Powers Resolution has been ignored by presidents as unconstitutional. This breach of our constitution must first be recognized if it is to be corrected. Americans have yet to grasp this essential lesson from defeat in Vietnam. Failure to curb presidential war powers and restore the balance of power leaves the tragedy without redeeming value. The least we can do is make full use of lessons learned in Vietnam. This nation will not endure without an effective balance between congressional & presidential powers. Will Americans awaken in time to turn the ship of state around before running aground on another distant shore for the sake of political expediency? Or will McNamara & others succeed in efforts to rewrite that tragic chapter? This book contributes to an essential dialog. Recognition of "The Greater Tragedy" may follow. 'Dereliction of Duty' and 'The Wrong War' provide further insight into this American tragedy.


Hispanic Confederates
Published in Paperback by Clearfield Co (2000)
Author: John O'Donnell-Rosales
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Very Good, But ...
The effort in research and documentation of this book is excellent. However the premise that US Hispanics of the War Between the States Era may have been non-Caucasians is simply unrealistic. Most Old Spanish families from Florida and Louisiana and many from Texas, New Mexico and California were Criollos, (of European stock born in the Americas), descendants of the original and subsequent Spanish settlers. Many were slave owners, which was not against their morality or customs.

Although most Latin American countries did free the slaves upon gaining their independence from Spain, Cuba and Puerto Rico did not free their slaves until much later after the War Between the States. Most US Hispanics from the Southeast were Spanish-Cubans and Cuba did not finally free its slaves until 1886.

US Hispanics were patriotic Southerners and were among, if not the first to volunteer when their states seceded from the Union.

Later immigrations from Latin America, particularly the last 25 years or so brought great numbers of non-Caucasians to the US.

Most Hispanic immigrants prior to the 1980's were predominantly White, particulary the large numbers of Cuban emigrees who came in the 1950's and 1960's and unto our days, of whom approximately 95% are White.

A Neglected Niche of Civil War Research Is Filled
Professor John O'Donnell-Rosales has compiled a comprehensive listing of Hispanic Confederate soldiers and naval personnel.This work will be beneficial to both those of Hispanic origin interested in genealogical research as well as Civil War students looking for further details on the true composition of Confederate forces.

The idea that the Civil War was fought by armies and navies made up only of Caucasian forces is factually incorrect. Minorities participated on both sides in many different roles. This book documents one of those areas in a very informative, effective way. I recommend it!

Very Good Prerspective
As a educated man I revel in the exploration of our diverse American History. We have for so long neglected this perspective of a diverse army of citizens who sought to defend thier states rights. Mr.O'Donnell-Rosales took great care to include the many facets of hispanic culture. For these reasons I felt compelled to share my thoughts with you ... enjoy!!


Using Html: Special Edition
Published in Paperback by Que (1996)
Authors: Tom Savola, Mark Brown, John Jung, Bill Brandon, Robert Megan, Kenneth Murphy, Jim O'Donnell, Stephen R. Pietrowicz, Que Corporation, and Que Development Group
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Another point of view...
Sorry, but I have to disagree with the reviews so far. I my opinion this is the worst book from QUE-Books I have ever read (most of the QUE-books are really good). The author never explains the essential details about HTML, he always strays into simple, unneccessary details or into complicated, unneccessary details, but never gets to the point what is really useful. And if there's the rare occasion something is really explained, it will be repeated at least five times... I don't want to say the author doesn't know what he is writting about, he simply just don't know how to write...

Greg's Wonderful World of Really Boring Stuff
I just have to say this is the greatest book ever written. Why? Because it's MY web site that is featured in Chapter 3, Fig 3.12! It's under the heading of "The Wrong Stuff: What Not to Put on the Web"

I never got any royalty money out of the deal either, whats up with that? Can I sue for defamation of web site? Hmmm... probably not, but since it's the first site I ever made back when I was a freshman in Highschool, and now it's immortalized in print - I forgive him.

Greatest book ever written!

In depth and great examples for starters!
This book was great


Trumped!: The Inside Story of the Real Donald Trump-His Cunning Rise and Spectacular Fall
Published in Paperback by Pocket Books (1992)
Authors: John R. O'Donnell, James Rutherford, and Julie Rubenstein
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Donald gets Trumped!
If you're in business or thinking of owning a business (big or small) consider Trumped! This book is a good learning tool for keeping your ego in check and dollars in the bank. Trumped! takes the reader on an endless roller coaster ride into The Donald's doings, and how his huge ego and whacked business deals finally led him to his undoing. The book reveals that a large part of Trump's downfall was the death of his three lead guys, but it's ultimately The Donald's own irresponsibility that was driving the train wreck to financial failure. Trumped! is an excellent venture into the mind of an irrational, ego-driven tyrant. As far as a business book is concerned, I think it serves as a reminder to all those present or future business owners to keep a sharp eye on the books, and a big heart open for all the people who make their business a success. At times Trumped! reads like a soap opera. But the book seems to maintain an even balance between the surreal world of Donald's many romances and the cold hard numbers that make or break financial success. END

Entertaining and informitive read
This was a well written book by someone with inside knowledge of the Trump organization. The reader learns a lot about Trump's personal life and the inner workings of the casino industry. Highly recommended.


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